Core Points - The iPhone Air is officially launched on October 22, priced between 7999 to 11999 yuan, marking a new chapter in the industry with the introduction of eSIM mobile services in China [1] - China Unicom is the first operator to obtain a trial operation license for eSIM mobile services, offering a unified pricing and after-sales service for the iPhone Air, with subsidies ranging from 2000 to over 5000 yuan [3] Group 1: eSIM Mobile Services - eSIM mobile services are now available nationwide in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), allowing users to activate eSIM services at designated China Unicom stores with valid identification [7] - Each eSIM device can support up to 2 domestic phone numbers, and users can switch between eSIM and physical SIM cards easily [17] - eSIM technology is already in use in over 100 countries and by more than 400 operators globally, providing a more secure and flexible communication option [18] Group 2: Purchase and Activation Process - Users can purchase the iPhone Air directly from China Unicom stores, which also provide a one-stop service for device purchase, subsidies, and eSIM activation [3][5] - Users can also buy the device from other channels and activate the eSIM at China Unicom stores [5] - To activate eSIM services, users must visit a China Unicom store with their eSIM device and identification, and the activation process must be completed in-store [19] Group 3: Additional Information - The eSIM service supports voice calls, SMS, data services, and international roaming, and users can convert existing SIM cards to eSIM [19] - Users are advised to complete device activation and data migration before visiting the store for eSIM activation to ensure a smooth experience [19] - China Unicom provides a list of authorized stores for purchasing Apple devices and activating eSIM services, with specific contact information available for customer inquiries [18]

Core Viewpoint - The approval of eSIM mobile phone commercial trials by China's three major telecom operators marks a significant step towards the widespread adoption of eSIM technology in the country, with the iPhone Air set to lead the market [1][2][3]. Group 1: eSIM Technology Launch - China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have received approval to conduct eSIM mobile phone commercial trials across all 31 provinces in China [1]. - The iPhone Air, launching on October 22, is the first smartphone in China to support only eSIM, achieving over 100 million yuan in sales within one second during pre-sales [1]. - Domestic manufacturers like Huawei and OPPO are expected to follow suit by launching their own eSIM phones [1]. Group 2: Supply Chain and Manufacturing - The supply of domestic eSIM chips is still in the early stages, with companies like Unisoc and Tongfu Microelectronics being key players in the supply chain [1][3]. - Unisoc has confirmed that its eSIM chip technology is mature and compatible with over 400 global operators, but the final selection of domestic operators remains unclear [1][5]. - Companies such as Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology and New Henghui are actively developing new technologies and expanding their market share in the eSIM sector [4][6]. Group 3: Industry Development and Challenges - The eSIM market in China has experienced a halt due to the suspension of certain services by the three major operators in 2023, impacting the entire eSIM industry chain [3]. - The collaboration model between chip manufacturers, telecom operators, and smartphone manufacturers is still undefined, with the need for regulatory clarity from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology [5]. - China Unicom and China Telecom are committed to building an open and collaborative eSIM ecosystem, aiming to innovate and enhance service models in the telecommunications industry [6].

Core Insights - The three major telecom operators in China, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, have been approved to conduct commercial trials of eSIM technology nationwide, allowing users to register without a physical SIM card [1][2][3] - The iPhone Air, set to launch on October 22, is the first smartphone in China to support only eSIM, achieving over 100 million yuan in sales within one second during pre-sales [1][2] - Domestic manufacturers like Huawei and OPPO are expected to release eSIM-enabled smartphones soon, indicating a significant shift towards eSIM technology in the market [1][3] Industry Developments - The eSIM technology in China has evolved through various stages, including exploration, trials, and pauses, with significant contributions from China Unicom since 2015 and China Mobile's introduction of the smallest eSIM module in 2017 [3][5] - The eSIM market faced a setback in 2023 when the three major operators paused the one-number dual-terminal service and independent eSIM card applications, leading to stagnation in the eSIM market [3][5] - Unisoc is the first domestic company to achieve global commercial use of eSIM chips, with products compliant with GSMA standards [3][5] Supply Chain and Collaboration - The supply of domestic eSIM chips is currently dependent on establishing new business models and protocols for integration into smartphones, with uncertainty regarding the final partners involved [5][6] - Companies like Unisoc and Changdian Technology are actively developing technologies and expanding their market presence in the eSIM sector, indicating a positive outlook for future opportunities [4][5] - The telecom operators are pursuing different strategies for eSIM technology, with China Mobile focusing on domestic chip and OS development, while China Unicom emphasizes innovation and collaboration within the industry [5][6] Future Prospects - Apple plans to introduce an eSIM Quick Transfer feature in the Chinese market, highlighting the growing importance of eSIM technology in the telecommunications landscape [7] - The readiness of domestic chip manufacturers to meet market demand will be crucial for the success of the eSIM transition in China [7]

Core Viewpoint - The strong performance of Apple's stock and its supply chain is driven by the impressive sales of the newly launched iPhone 17 series, which has seen a significant increase in demand compared to its predecessor [1][4]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Apple's stock price rose nearly 4%, reaching a new historical high, which positively impacted the Apple-related stocks in both Hong Kong and A-share markets on October 21 [1]. - In the A-share market, companies like Huanxu Electronics and Tonglian Precision saw their stock prices hit the daily limit, with increases exceeding 8% for several other firms [1][2]. - In the Hong Kong market, stocks such as Gaowei Electronics and Lens Technology also experienced strong gains, with increases over 7% [1][3]. Group 2: iPhone 17 Sales Performance - The iPhone 17 series recorded a 14% higher sales volume in the first ten days post-launch in the U.S. and China compared to the iPhone 16 series [4]. - The base model of the iPhone 17 achieved nearly double the sales of its predecessor in the Chinese market, indicating strong consumer acceptance [4]. Group 3: eSIM Technology and Market Trends - The upcoming release of the iPhone Air, Apple's first model without a physical SIM card slot, is expected to further drive interest in eSIM technology, with initial sales showing strong demand [5][6]. - The global eSIM smartphone connections are projected to reach 1 billion by the end of 2025 and 6.9 billion by 2030, representing 76% of total smartphone connections, indicating a significant growth opportunity for the industry [6][7]. Group 4: Financial Performance of Supply Chain Companies - Companies in the Apple supply chain have demonstrated strong profitability, with Industrial Fulian reporting a net profit of approximately 12.11 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 38.61% [7]. - Other companies like GoerTek and Lens Technology also reported significant profit growth, with net profits increasing by 15.65% and 32.68% respectively [7]. - Luxshare Precision anticipates a net profit of 10.89 billion to 11.34 billion yuan for the first three quarters, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 20% to 25% [8]. Group 5: Market Outlook and Investment Recommendations - Analysts are optimistic about the continued opportunities within the Apple supply chain, with expectations of higher-than-expected sales for the iPhone 17 series driven by its performance and features [8]. - Investment firms suggest focusing on undervalued companies within the Apple supply chain, as the new iPhone models are expected to exceed sales expectations [8].

Core Insights - The iPhone Air's domestic version has begun pre-sales on October 17 and will be fully launched on October 22, with most smartphone brands expected to adopt eSIM technology by early next year [1][4] - The three major telecom operators in China have announced that eSIM services are currently in the commercial trial phase, only supporting offline activation at service centers [1][4] - eSIM technology integrates SIM card functions into the phone's internal chip, enhancing convenience and allowing for more flexible internal layouts, particularly beneficial for high-end devices [3][6] Industry Developments - eSIM services are currently limited to the iPhone Air (model A3518), with plans for more models to be supported in the future [1][4] - China Mobile plans to introduce more devices that support both traditional SIM cards and eSIM, focusing on domestic technology development for eSIM chips and operating systems [1][3] - Over 170,000 users have already pre-ordered eSIM-enabled devices, indicating strong market interest [4] Competitive Landscape - The introduction of eSIM may increase competition among telecom operators, as it lowers the barriers for consumers to switch providers, potentially impacting revenue from traditional services [3][4] - China Unicom is leveraging partnerships with smart hardware manufacturers to advance eSIM technology and differentiate its offerings [3][4] - OPPO has launched its Find X9 series, with the Pro version set to support eSIM and satellite communication, highlighting the trend towards integrating advanced technologies in smartphones [6][7] Market Projections - Global eSIM smartphone connections are projected to reach 1 billion by the end of 2025 and 6.9 billion by 2030, representing 76% of total smartphone connections [7][8]

Group 1 - Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the iPhone Air will officially launch in China on October 22, marking the first smartphone in the country to completely eliminate the physical SIM card slot and adopt eSIM technology [1] Group 2 - Minsheng Securities highlights that eSIM technology is leading the transition to a "cardless era" in smartphones, integrating communication functions into device chips for remote operator configuration, offering flexibility, security, and space-saving advantages [2] - The commercial acceleration of eSIM is creating opportunities within the industry chain, with global eSIM applications entering a scaling phase, particularly in the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea [2] - GSMA Intelligence predicts that by the end of 2025, the number of global eSIM smartphone connections will reach 1 billion, and by 2030, this number will significantly increase to 6.9 billion, with eSIM accounting for 76% of total smartphone connections [2] - Currently, eSIM penetration in China is low, and the industry ecosystem is not well developed, with policies and regulations still needing improvement [2] - The development of IoT terminals indicates that eSIM is an inevitable trend [2]

Core Insights - Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the official launch of the iPhone Air in China on October 22, which is the first smartphone in the country to utilize eSIM technology, eliminating the physical SIM card slot [1] - Major Chinese telecom operators, including China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom, have received approval to commence eSIM services, marking a significant shift towards a "cardless era" in mobile technology [1][2] - The global eSIM market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated 1 billion eSIM-enabled smartphones by the end of 2025 and 6.9 billion by 2030, representing 76% of total smartphone connections [2] Industry Developments - The eSIM technology integrates SIM card functions into the phone's internal chip, allowing for a more compact design and improved features such as water and dust resistance [2] - Domestic brands are quickly adapting to the eSIM trend, with OPPO announcing an eSIM version of its Find X9 series set to launch in November [1] - The eSIM industry involves a complex ecosystem, including chip design, platform management, operator services, device integration, and end-user applications, with expectations for collaborative growth and maturity [3] Company Activities - Several companies have been actively involved in the eSIM space, including Unisoc, which has launched multiple eSIM products compliant with GSMA standards [4] - Eastcompeace has developed an embedded operating system and eSIM management platform that has received GSMA security certification [5] - Megmeet has established a mature eSIM solution with large-scale production capabilities across 4G and 5G platforms [5] Market Performance - eSIM concept stocks have seen an average increase of 42.42% this year, significantly outperforming the Shanghai Composite Index [7] - Six stocks have recorded gains exceeding 50%, including Hengbao Co., Eastcompeace, and Chutianlong [7] - Despite the overall positive trend, some stocks have experienced significant pullbacks, with several dropping over 30% from their year-to-date highs [7]

Group 1: eSIM Technology and Market Development - eSIM technology is entering a new commercial phase in China, with major telecom operators like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom officially launching eSIM services for mobile phones [3][4] - The first eSIM phone in China, the iPhone Air, will be released on October 22, marking a significant milestone in the transition to a "no card" era for mobile devices [3][4] - Domestic brands such as OPPO and vivo are quickly following suit, with OPPO launching its eSIM-compatible phone in November and other brands expected to introduce similar products soon [3][4] Group 2: Industry Impact and Future Projections - eSIM is expected to become a mainstream communication solution, with predictions indicating that by the end of 2025, global eSIM smartphone connections will reach 1 billion, and by 2030, this number will grow to 6.9 billion, accounting for 76% of total smartphone connections [4] - The technology is seen as a key infrastructure for transforming the communication industry, enhancing user experience, and contributing to the development of the digital economy in China [4] Group 3: A-Share Market Performance and Company Involvement - Several A-share companies, including Unisoc, Eastcompeace, and Megmeet, have made significant advancements in eSIM technology, with products already in mass production and compliance with international standards [6] - The average increase in eSIM concept stocks has been 42.42% this year, significantly outperforming the Shanghai Composite Index, with six stocks rising over 50% [6][7] - Despite some stocks experiencing significant pullbacks, 14 eSIM concept stocks have received positive ratings from brokerage firms, indicating strong institutional interest [7]

Core Insights - Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the launch of the iPhone Air in China on October 22, which is the first smartphone in the country to use eSIM technology, eliminating the physical SIM card slot [1] - The launch follows the approval of eSIM services by major Chinese telecom operators, marking the official entry of eSIM technology into the mobile phone market in China [1][2] - The global eSIM market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated 1 billion eSIM smartphone connections by the end of 2025 and 6.9 billion by 2030, representing 76% of total smartphone connections [2] Industry Developments - The eSIM ecosystem involves a complex supply chain including chip design, platform management, operator services, device integration, and end-user applications, with expectations for collaborative development and maturation of the industry [3] - Several companies in the A-share market have been actively developing eSIM capabilities, including Unisoc, which has launched multiple eSIM products compliant with GSMA standards [4] - Eastcompeace has successfully developed an embedded operating system and eSIM IoT management platform that received GSMA security certification [5] - Megmeet has established mature eSIM solutions with large-scale production on 4G/5G chip platforms [6] - Chutianlong's eSIM products have been approved by China Unicom, and Wanma Technology has been a long-term provider of eSIM solutions across various standards [7] Market Performance - eSIM concept stocks have seen an average increase of 42.42% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Shanghai Composite Index, with six stocks rising over 50% [8] - Some eSIM concept stocks have experienced significant pullbacks from their year-to-date highs, with declines exceeding 30% for several companies [9] - A total of 14 eSIM concept stocks have received "positive" ratings from brokerage firms, with eight stocks rated by more than ten institutions, including ZTE, Guanghetong, China Telecom, China Mobile, and Megmeet [9]

Core Viewpoint - The approval of eSIM commercial trials by China's three major telecom operators marks a significant step towards the widespread adoption of eSIM technology in smartphones, with the iPhone Air leading the charge in the domestic market [1][2]. Group 1: eSIM Commercialization - China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have received approval to conduct eSIM commercial trials across all 31 provinces in China, allowing users to register for networks without a physical SIM card [1]. - The iPhone Air, set to launch on October 22, is the first smartphone in China to support only eSIM, achieving over 100 million yuan in sales within one second during pre-sales [1]. - Domestic manufacturers like Huawei and OPPO are expected to follow suit by launching their own eSIM-enabled smartphones [1]. Group 2: Supply Chain and Technology - The supply of domestic eSIM chips is still in the early stages, with companies like Unisoc and Tongfu Microelectronics being key players in the supply chain [1][3]. - Unisoc has developed eSIM chip technology that is compatible with over 400 global operators, but the final selection of domestic operators and partners remains unclear [1][6]. - The eSIM chip supply process is hindered by the need for clear operational protocols and collaboration models between telecom operators and smartphone manufacturers [6]. Group 3: Industry Development and Future Prospects - The eSIM market in China has experienced various phases, including exploration, trial, suspension, and re-initiation, with significant advancements made since 2015 [2][3]. - Companies like Huada Semiconductor and Changdian Technology are actively developing new technologies and expanding their market presence in the eSIM sector [4][5]. - The future of the eSIM market is contingent on the successful establishment of a collaborative ecosystem among industry players, as emphasized by the three major telecom operators [7].